John Terry insists he could care less about the criticism, after he arranged his own substitution in the match against Sunderland.

Terry was brought off in the match, in the 26th minute, the same number on his shirt and has been criticised by rival fans and pundits for arranging his substitution.

However, the veteran defender does not care about the criticism and only cares about the Chelsea supporters.

“I could not care less, I promise you,” Terry told reporters.

“All I care about is celebrating with my Chelsea fans. Me and them have a wonderful rapport and have done for 22 years. Nothing that people write or say can ever get in the way of that.

“If that is the way I want to go out, that is the way I go out because I have been here 22 years, I have won so many trophies, so if I wanted to play one minute and come off, I would have done.

“I wanted to play 26 minutes because the shirt number means a lot to me and the supporters so, as long as they are happy – and I was over the moon with the reception – I promise you I could not care less.”

Terry added: “It was an unbelievable send-off from the supporters to help me to celebrate 22 years at the club. I am very grateful to them, and it was something I will never forget. It was so emotional after the game, I was in bits.”